JOANNE SOPER

JOANNE SOPER
SEPTEMBER 13, 1946–NOVEMBER 29, 2023
SANTA FE- Jody departed on November 29th in the embrace of loved ones, able to maintain her true essence until the last breath. Born in Shelby, Montana and raised in Sioux City, Iowa; she came to Santa Fe in 1974 with several stops along the way since. This place and its people have always been her true love.
Those of us who were blessed to know her experienced first-hand a force of nature with an incandescence that could light up any room no matter how dark, and an unfiltered presence - equally accessible to an acquaintance of twenty minutes as she was with an old friend. She was an energetic contributor to any enterprise and endowed with a skill-set so unique sometimes job descriptions would be created just to bring her on board. She served as a translator in Buenos Aires for a World Cup event and delivered cocktails to happy customers in the Dragon Room. She easily landed business positions in Seattle and the Bay Area without an inside connection in sight. Ultimately, she came home to help establish and sustain a successful bank in Santa Fe, assisting many from all walks of life while making the workday fun for all. Her abundance of genuine warmth could bring a smile to faces from the non-profit boardroom to hospital wings. And she had the most creative way of cussing.
She showed us what love is all about - true to family and friends, ready to fight for what's good - inevitably putting the interests of others before those of her own. All of these things in a package shaped around an un-matchable style and effervescence. Hers was a beauty, fierce yet tender.
Jody leaves behind a circle of people far and wide who mourn her passing. Her treasured brother Harn Soper, partner of 42 years Steve Shaw, and son Gabriel are grateful for lives made full with joy.
She would say our loss is just another part of living. And she would want us all to remember to make every minute count and to make sure your loved ones know how much they mean to you.
If love were a currency, she lived this life as the richest woman in the world.
We will celebrate the life of this remarkable person on September 14, 2024. Details will follow.